Ball retainer forward locking assembly

ABSTRACT

A ball retainer forward locking assembly for preventing movement of a ball retainer with respect to a slide is disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of a slide having a first portion of a locking mechanism. A second portion of the locking mechanism includes a ball retainer. The locking mechanism is adapted to provide a removably coupled locking connection between the ball retainer and the slide such that movement of the ball retainer with respect to the slide is minimized.

This patent application is a Continuation of co-pending, commonly-ownedpatent application Ser. No. 10/241,304, filed on Sep. 10, 2002, entitled“BALL RETAINER FORWARD LOCKING ASSEMBLY,” by Craig Lauchner, which isincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present claimed invention relates to the field of slide assemblies.More specifically, the present claimed invention relates to a ballretainer forward locking slide assembly.

BACKGROUND ART

Presently, slide assemblies are utilized as the mounting hardwarebetween a component and a rack within which the component may be stored.For example, if the component is an electronic component such as aserver, then the use of a rack allows for a plurality of servers to beutilized with efficiency of storage, and convenience of accessibility.In many cases, the rack may have a back panel to which the electroniccomponents can connect, thereby allowing the components to receive theirpower connections, network connections, phone connections, and the like.

In general, the use of slide assemblies allows for a simple way to holda component or plurality of components within the rack which also offersconvenient access. In a telescoping slide assembly, a ball retainer isused to ensure that when the innermost slide is removed the balls remainin place within the slide assembly. That is, the balls do not fall outof the slide when the inner member is removed.

However, one deleterious effect of quick disconnect telescoping slideassemblies is that while the inner slide is removed from the slideassembly, the ball retainer is allowed to travel freely, therebyrequiring a technician to correctly position the ball retainer prior tothe installation or reinstallation of the inner slide and any componentmounted thereon. For example, when a technician inserts the inner slideinto the slide assembly mounted with the rack, before the roller ballswithin the slide assembly may properly work to support the inner slideand allow for easier movement, the ball retainer must be correctlypositioned in the front portion of the slide assembly. In addition,while supporting the weight of the component, while ensuring that theslide assembly is aligning itself correctly within the rack, and whiledisengaging the locking mechanism, the technician must also ensure theball retainer stays in its forward most position.

Thus, during the installation process more than one person is needed toensure correct installation is accomplished with a minimization ofdamage. For example, during the installation of a component, onetechnician may be needed to support the weight of the component,correctly align the slide assembly, and insert the component into therack, while a second technician may be needed to disengage the lockingmechanism and ensure the ball retainer is in the correct position. Bothtechnicians would need to work in conjunction in order not to damage therack, the slide assembly, components already in the rack, and/or thecomponent being placed in the rack.

Thus, the utilization of the ball retainer during the installationprocess is not user friendly, is time-consuming, is cost associative,and lacks a desired “Design for Usability.”

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

A ball retainer forward locking assembly for preventing movement of aball retainer with respect to a slide is disclosed. In one embodiment,the present invention is comprised of a slide having a first portion ofa locking mechanism. A second portion of the locking mechanism includesa ball retainer. The locking mechanism is adapted to provide a removablycoupled locking connection between the ball retainer and the slide suchthat movement of the ball retainer with respect to the slide isminimized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthis specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention:

FIGS. 1A through 1C are perspective views of a slide portion of a ballretainer forward locking assembly in accordance with embodiments of thepresent claimed invention.

FIGS. 2A through 2C are perspective views of a ball retainer portion ofa ball retainer forward locking assembly in accordance with embodimentsof the present claimed invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of exemplary ball retainer forwardlocking assemblies in accordance with embodiments of the present claimedinvention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of steps performed in accordance with oneembodiment of the present claimed invention.

The drawings referred to in this description should be understood as notbeing drawn to scale except if specifically noted.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with thepreferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intendedto limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, theinvention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications andequivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in thefollowing detailed description of the present invention, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, the present inventionmay be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not beendescribed in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of thepresent invention.

With reference now to FIGS. 1A through 1C, perspective views of a slideportion of a ball retainer forward locking assembly are shown inaccordance with embodiments of the present claimed invention. Thefollowing discussion will begin with a detailed description of thephysical characteristics of the present ball retainer forward lockingassembly. The discussion will then contain a detailed description of theuse and operation of the present ball retainer forward locking assembly.

In one embodiment, the location of the first portion of a lockingmechanism on slide (or slide portion) 105 may be a dimple such as dimple125 or a detent such as detent 175 on lead-in 110 as shown as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B. In another embodiment (e.g., FIG. 1C), the location ofthe first portion of a locking mechanism on slide portion 105 may be adimple (or detent) 185 in a location on slide portion 105 other thanlead-in 110.

With reference still to FIGS. 1A through 1C, regarding the physicalstructure of the lead-in of a ball retainer forward locking assembly, inone embodiment, slide portion 105 may be a middle portion of atelescoping disconnect slide. In another embodiment, slide portion 105may be an outer portion of a telescoping disconnect slide. Moreover,slide portion 105 includes lead-in 110 (or lead-ins 110). Importantly,as will be discussed in detail below, lead-ins 110 are further comprisedof a first portion (e.g., 125 and 175) of a locking mechanism capable ofreducing the motion of a ball retainer (e.g., ball retainer 210 of FIGS.2A through 2C). Furthermore, first portion (e.g., 125 and 175) may beformed during the manufacture of lead-ins 110, or first portion (e.g.,125 and 175) may be formed on a pre-existing lead-in 110. In oneembodiment, lead-in 110 may be made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene(ABS), nylon, plastic, steel, stainless steel, or combinations thereof.

Referring still to FIGS. 1A through 1C, first portion (e.g., 125 and175) of lead-in 110 is a portion of a locking mechanism capable ofreducing the motion of a ball retainer (e.g., ball retainer 210 of FIGS.2A through 2C). The locking mechanism is adapted to provide a removablycoupled locking connection between lead-in 110 and the ball retainer(e.g., ball retainer 210 of FIGS. 2A through 2C), which will bediscussed in more detail herein. In one embodiment (e.g., FIG. 1A),first portion 125 is a dimpled portion (e.g., a raised portion, lip,projection, prominence, or the like) integral with lead-in 110 andadapted to provide a removably coupled friction lock between lead-in 110and the ball retainer. Although first portion 125 is shown as a circulardimpled portion in FIG. 1A, first portion 125 is also well suited to beformed in the shape of an oval, a square, a rectangle, or a randomlyshaped dimpled portion. Furthermore, first portion 125 may be any sizedprotrusion from lead-in 110 that may be utilized in conjunction with theball retainer (e.g., ball retainer 210 of FIGS. 2A through 2C) toprovide a removably coupled locking connection.

In another embodiment (e.g., FIG. 1B), first portion 175 is a detentportion (e.g., a groove, divot, hole, dent, indentation, impression,concavity, or the like) integral with lead-in 110 and adapted to providea removably coupled friction lock between lead-in 110 and the ballretainer. Although first portion 175 is shown as circular detent portionin FIG. 1B, first portion 175 is also well suited to be formed in theshape of an oval, a square, a rectangle, or a randomly shaped detentportion. Furthermore, first portion 175 may be any sized indention orhole within lead-in 110 that may be utilized in conjunction with theball retainer (e.g., ball retainer 210 of FIGS. 2A through 2C) toprovide a removably coupled locking connection.

With reference still to FIGS. 1A through 1C, in one embodiment lead-in110 is fixedly mounted in a desired position on slide 105. For example,lead-in 110 may be molded with a push through tab, holes may then bepunched through slide 105, and then the push through tabs may be slidthrough the holes in slide 105 and swaged on the outside of the slide.In one embodiment, lead-ins 110 may have two tabs which are pushedthrough slide 105 and swaged on the outside. The push through tabs areemployed to correctly position lead-ins 110 with respect to slide 105,such that lead-ins 110 will maintain the desired position on slide 105.Although two mounting methods are mentioned herein, it is appreciatedthat the mounting method may be any method (e.g., glue, end caps, or thelike) which maintain the desired position of lead-ins 110.

With reference now to FIGS. 2A through 2C, perspective views of a ballretainer portion of a ball retainer forward locking assembly are shownin accordance with embodiments of the present claimed invention.Regarding the physical structure of the ball retainer portion, forpurposes of clarity, only one end of ball retainer portion (e.g., 210)is shown in FIGS. 2A through 2C. As will be discussed herein in detail,ball retainer 210 is comprised of ball 220 and, in one embodiment (e.g.,FIG. 2A), a second portion (e.g., 215) of the locking mechanism. Inanother embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, ball retainer 210 may comprisea slot portion 260 which adds flexibility to ball retainer 210.Furthermore, ball retainer 210 may comprise a post slot portion 270adapted to be removably coupled with lead-in 110. Ball retainer 210 maybe manufactured from material such as plastic, stainless steel, platedsteel, and spring steel. Although plastic, stainless steel, platedsteel, and spring steel are mentioned herein, ball retainer 210 may bemade of any material capable of retaining a shape and managing thelocation of ball 220.

With reference still to FIGS. 2A through 2C, the second portion of thelocking mechanism (e.g., 215, 250, or 280) of ball retainer 210 may beeither a detent portion or a dimple portion. For example, FIGS. 2A and2B show a second portion (e.g., 215 and 250) integral with ball retainer210, adapted to provide a removably coupled friction lock between ballretainer 210 and lead-in 110. Although second portions 215 and 250 areshown as circular detent portion, second portions 215 and 250 are alsowell suited to be an oval, square, rectangle, or randomly shaped detentportion. Furthermore, second portions 215 and 250 may be any sizedindention or hole within ball retainer 210 that may be utilized inconjunction with the lead-in 110 to provide a removably coupled lockingconnection.

With reference now to FIG. 2C, the second portion of the lockingmechanism (e.g., 280) of ball retainer 210 may be a dimpled portionintegral with ball retainer 210, adapted to provide a removably coupledfriction lock between ball retainer 210 and lead-in 110. Although secondportion 280 is shown as circular dimpled portion in FIG. 2C, secondportion 280 is also well suited to be an oval, square, rectangle, orrandomly shaped dimpled portion. Furthermore, second portion 280 may beany sized protrusion from ball retainer 210 that may be utilized inconjunction with lead-in 110 to provide a removably coupled lockingconnection. For example, second portion 280 may be a ball which fitswithin the first portion of lead-in 110.

With reference now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, perspective views of exemplaryball retainer forward locking assemblies are shown in accordance with anembodiment of the present claimed invention. In general, FIG. 3Aillustrates a removably coupled locking connection between lead-ins 110and ball retainer 210. FIG. 3B also illustrates the removably coupledlocking connection between lead-ins 110 and ball retainer 210. However,FIG. 3B further shows the insertion of inner slide member 375 into atelescoping disconnect slide assembly 350. For example, during aninitial coupling of inner slide member 375 with telescoping disconnectslide assembly 350 the removably coupled locking connection maintainsball retainer 210 at a front portion of telescoping disconnect slideassembly 350. However, once inner slide member 375 engages with ballretainer 210, the friction between the two components will result in thelocking connection being disengaged, and ball retainer 210 and ball 220thereon will move in conjunction with inner slide member 375.

The following is a detailed description of the use and operation of thepresent one-motion installation slide assembly. With reference now toFIG. 3A, ball retainer 210 is removably coupled with lead-in 110. In oneembodiment, ball retainer 210 and lead-in 110 may be coupled with slide105 which may be either the outer slide (or the middle slide if a thirdslide is utilized (e.g., 305)) of a telescoping disconnect slideassembly. It is appreciated that only a portion of slide 105 and ballretainer 210 are shown in the present embodiments. It is furtherappreciated that most slide 105 s will have the lead-ins 110 attachedproximal to the end of the slide.

In one embodiment, slide assemblies 300 and 350 are utilized inconjunction with a rack and a component (e.g., a server) to be stored inthe rack. For example, inner slide 375 of FIG. 3B may be removablycoupled with the component to be stored in the rack. That is, innerslide 375 may be coupled to the side of the component (or the top, orthe corner, or the like). In addition, slide 105 may be coupled to therack (via mounting slide 105 directly to the rack or by mounting thirdslide 305 to the rack and having slide 105 coupled therein). While innerslide 375 is apart from slide assemblies 300 and 350, ball retainer 210is held in a forward position via the removably coupled lockingconnection. For example, ball retainer 210 is held in the forwardposition due to a friction lock with lead-in 110. Once inner slide 375enters the rack and establishes contact with ball retainer 210, ballretainer 210 is then decoupled from lead-in 110 due to the frictiongenerated by the insertion of inner slide 375 into slide assembly 300 or350. Therefore, ball retainer 210 is free to travel in conjunction withinner slide 375 allowing the smoother motion thereof. Although thedecoupling of ball retainer 210 from lead-in 110 is mentioned as beingdue to friction, the decoupling of the lock between lead-in 110 and ballretainer 210 may be due to direct contact, a catch, or the like.

Referring still to FIG. 3B, the present embodiment maintains thelocation of ball retainer 210 during the initial coupling of the innerslide 375 with slide 105. Therefore, during the installation process(e.g., inner slide 375 into slide 105), relocation of ball retainer 210is not necessary. In addition, the present embodiment does not require auser or technician to manually set the removably coupled lockingconnection after the removal of inner slide 375. Instead, the presentembodiment allows customers and technicians to realize the beneficialassembly requirements of a ball retainer forward lock whichautomatically engages during removal of inner slide 375.

With reference still to FIG. 3B, slide assembly 350 is shown uponinitial installation of inner slide 375, wherein the removably coupledlocking connection between second portion 215 and ball retainer 210 isengaged. Specifically, ball retainer 210 is locked in a forwardposition. In one embodiment, ball retainer 210 is locked via a dimpledportion 125 of lead-in 110, mating with a detent portion 250 of ballretainer 210. For example, detent portion 250 slid over dimpled portion125 and is then held in place by dimpled portion 125. In one embodiment,slot 260 is utilized to give enough flex to post slot portion 270 toallow detent portion 250 to slide over dimpled portion 125. In anotherembodiment, ball retainer 210 is locked via a detent portion 125 oflead-in 110, mating with a dimpled portion 250 of ball retainer 210.Although slot 260 is utilized in one embodiment, the present inventionis well suited to a ball retainer such as ball retainer 210 which doesnot have a slot 260.

Once inner slide portion 375 makes initial contact with ball retainer210, as stated herein, the removably coupled locking connection betweenball retainer 210 and second portion 215 is released. For example, slot260 allows detent portion 250 to pass over dimpled portion 125.Therefore, ball retainer 210 slides freely along with inner slide 375during the installation. When inner slide 375 begins to be removed fromslide assembly 350, ball retainer 210 slides freely toward the front ofslide assembly 350. When inner slide 375 is completely removed, detentportion 250 will slide over dimpled portion 125 and will be held inplace by dimpled portion 125. Therefore, ball retainer 210 will belocked in the correct location for the future insertion of an innerslide 375. Furthermore, when a user or technician prepares to reinstallinner slide 375, the relocation of ball retainer 210 is not necessary,nor is the need for anyone to maintain the forward location of ballretainer 210 during the installation process.

With reference now to FIG. 4, a flow chart 400 summarizing the stepsperformed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention isshown. At step 402, the present embodiment utilizes a locking mechanismto provide a removably coupled locking connection between a ballretainer (e.g., ball retainer 210 of FIG. 3B) and a lead-in (e.g.,lead-in 110 of FIG. 3B) such that while an inner slide member (e.g.,inner slide 375 of FIG. 3B) is removed, movement of the ball retainerwith respect to the lead-in is minimized. As described in detail herein,the removably coupled locking connection (e.g. dimpled portion 125 anddetent portion 250) is adapted to maintain the location of the ballretainer such that during installation, a further step of monitoring andadjusting the location of the ball retainer is not required.

Next, at step 404, the present embodiment releases the removably coupledlocking connection during installation of an inner slide member.Beneficially, the present embodiment eliminates the need to manuallyrelease the locking mechanism between the ball retainer (e.g., ballretainer 210 of FIG. 3B) and the lead-in (e.g., lead-in 110 of FIG. 3B).Instead, the present embodiment allows slide assemblies to be assembledwithout concern for the subsequent unlocking of the connection betweenball retainer 210 and lead-in 110. Furthermore, with the ability toremove and mount both ball retainer 210 and lead-in 110 on pre-existingslide assemblies the need for replacement of slide assemblies already inuse is negated.

Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide a ball retainerforward locking assembly method and apparatus which maintains the ballretainer in a forward position during installation. The ball retainerforward locking assembly method and apparatus achieves the aboveaccomplishment and also provides a reliable release mechanism for theball retainer when the inner slide is being inserted into the slideassembly while also significantly reducing assembly procedures andpersonnel requirements. In addition, it can be adapted to readilyinterface with industry standard components and meet industry standardspecifications.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and many modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodimentswere chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of theinvention and its practical application, to thereby enable othersskilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodimentswith various modifications as are suited to the particular usecontemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be definedby the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A slide assembly, comprising a first slide having afront end and a rear end; an inner slide which is removable from saidfront end of said first slide; a ball retainer adapted to assist slidingmovement of said inner slide, wherein said ball retainer is movablealong said first slide and said ball retainer defines a catch engagementsurface; a catch locking mechanism coupled with said first slide,wherein if said inner slide is removed from said first slide, then saidcatch locking mechanism inhibits rearward movement of said ball retainerby removably coupling with said catch engagement surface.
 22. The slideassembly of claim 21, wherein said catch engagement surface comprises adetent portion adapted to provide a removably coupled friction lockbetween said first slide and said ball retainer.
 23. The slide assemblyof claim 21, wherein said catch locking mechanism comprises a detentportion adapted to provide a removably coupled friction lock betweensaid first slide and said ball retainer.
 24. The slide assembly of claim21, wherein said catch engagement surface comprises a raised portionadapted to provide a removably coupled friction lock between said firstslide and said ball retainer.
 25. The slide assembly of claim 21,wherein said catch locking mechanism comprises a raised portion adaptedto provide a removably coupled friction lock between said first slideand said ball retainer.
 26. The slide assembly of claim 21, wherein saidcatch engagement surface comprises a groove portion adapted to provide aremovably coupled friction lock between said first slide and said ballretainer.
 27. The slide assembly of claim 21, wherein said catch lockingmechanism comprises a groove portion adapted to provide a removablycoupled friction lock between said first slide and said ball retainer.28. The slide assembly of claim 21, wherein said catch engagementsurface comprises a dimpled portion adapted to provide a removablycoupled friction lock between said first slide and said ball retainer.29. The slide assembly of claim 21, wherein said catch locking mechanismcomprises a dimpled portion adapted to provide a removably coupledfriction lock between said first slide and said ball retainer.
 30. Theslide assembly of claim 21, wherein said inner slide and said ballretainer are components of a telescoping disconnect slide.
 31. A slideassembly, comprising: a slide segment having a forward end and defininga channel; a catch engagement mechanism integral with said slidesegment; a ball retainer configured to facilitate sliding movement of aninner slide segment relative to said slide segment, wherein said ballretainer is movable within said channel toward said forward end of saidslide segment along with movement of said inner slide segment toward anextended position; a catch for inhibiting rearward movement of said ballretainer, wherein said catch is integral to said ball retainer andconfigured to provide a removable engagement with said catch engagementmechanism.
 32. The slide assembly of claim 31, wherein said catchcomprises a detent portion adapted to provide a removably coupledfriction lock between said first slide and said ball retainer.
 33. Theslide assembly of claim 31, wherein said catch locking mechanismcomprises a detent portion adapted to provide a removably coupledfriction lock between said first slide and said ball retainer.
 34. Theslide assembly of claim 31, wherein said catch comprises a raisedportion adapted to provide a removably coupled friction lock betweensaid first slide and said ball retainer.
 35. The slide assembly of claim31, wherein said catch locking mechanism comprises a raised portionadapted to provide a removably coupled friction lock between said firstslide and said ball retainer.
 36. The slide assembly of claim 31,wherein said catch comprises a groove portion adapted to provide aremovably coupled friction lock between said first slide and said ballretainer.
 37. The slide assembly of claim 31, wherein said catch lockingmechanism comprises a groove portion adapted to provide a removablycoupled friction lock between said first slide and said ball retainer.38. The slide assembly of claim 31, wherein said catch comprises adimpled portion adapted to provide a removably coupled friction lockbetween said first slide and said ball retainer.
 39. The slide assemblyof claim 31, wherein said catch locking mechanism comprises a dimpledportion adapted to provide a removably coupled friction lock betweensaid first slide and said ball retainer.
 40. The slide assembly of claim31, wherein said inner slide and said ball retainer are components of atelescoping disconnect slide.
 41. A slide assembly, comprising: a firstslide segment having a forward end, a rearward end, and defining achannel; a catch receiving portion integral with said first slidesegment; a second slide segment movable within said channel from aretracted position to an extended position relative to said first slidesegment, said second slide segment being removable from said forward endof said first slide segment; a bearing assembly configured to facilitatesliding movement of said second slide segment relative to said firstslide segment, said bearing assembly comprising a plurality of ballbearings and a ball retainer, said bearing assembly being movable withinsaid channel toward said forward end of said first slide segment alongwith movement of said second slide segment toward said extendedposition; a catch integral with said ball retainer, wherein said catchis adapted to provide a removably coupled lock between said ballretainer and said first slide segment
 42. A ball retainer forwardlocking assembly, comprising: a slide having a first portion of alocking mechanism, wherein said first portion of said locking mechanismcomprises a catch integral with said slide, said catch adapted toprovide a removably coupled lock between said slide and said ballretainer; and a ball retainer having a second portion of said lockingmechanism, wherein said second portion of said locking mechanismcomprises a catch receiving portion integral with said ball retainer,said catch receiving portion adapted to provide a removably coupled lockbetween sad slide and said ball retainer, said locking mechanism adaptedto provide a removably coupled locking connection between the ballretainer and said slide such that movement of said ball retainer withrespect to said slide is minimized.
 43. A slide assembly, comprising: afirst slide segment; a catch lock mechanism comprising a first portionand a second portion, wherein said first portion is coupled with saidfirst slide segment; a second slide segment movable within said firstslide segment; a ball retainer segment disposed to assist movement ofsaid second slide segment relative to said first slide segment, whereinsaid ball retainer segment is movable within said first slide segment,wherein said ball retainer segment comprises said second portion, andwherein said second portion is adapted to provide a removably coupledlock between said ball retainer segment and said first slide segment.